State parks are free for Maine residents through Labor Day. Go enjoy them.

Aislinn Sarnacki | BDN

Aislinn Sarnacki | BDN

Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec

August 11, 2018 12:00 pm

Maine is known for its beaches, islands and mountain vistas. Now, if you’re a Maine resident, you can enjoy some of them for free.

Gov. Paul LePage has declared that most state parks and historic sites will be free for day visits from now through Labor Day. This offers the perfect reason to take the family to the beach or to climb a mountain or hike through the woods.

Last year, nearly 2.5 million people visited the state’s parks and historic sites. The year, before, 2.6 million did so, a record number.

Offering free admission, the governor said in a press release, is a way to thank Maine taxpayers for supporting these public lands.

“Maine state parks and historic sites have experienced record-breaking attendance in recent years,” the governor said. “Our park staff have worked very hard to enhance the visitor experience with new offerings, year-round events and educational programs for all ages. Public support has never been higher.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the Maine people. Please take this opportunity to visit a Maine state park or historic site and make some memories with family and friends.”

The free days do not apply to Peacock Beach, the Maine Wildlife Park, Scarborough Beach State Park, Swan Island, Fort Knox Historic Site, the Penobscot River Corridor or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect and Songo Lock.

Baxter State Park, which is run by its own authority and not state government, and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway are not included in the free admission. Neither is Acadia National Park, which is administered by the federal government.

Three weeks of free visits to state parks and historic sites are a great opportunity for residents to explore Maine’s varied landscapes and to learn more about its history. Get out and enjoy.